Gerrymandering in US Politics
Gerrymandering is the practice of manipulating the boundaries of electoral districts in order to benefit a particular political party or group. It is often done by the party in power in a state to gain an advantage in elections by creating districts that are favorable to their candidates and making it more difficult for the opposition to win. Gerrymandering can lead to a situation where the outcome of an election does not reflect the will of the majority of voters, and can result in a distorted allocation of political power and resources.
...more about Gerrymandering
There are several reforms that can be made to stop gerrymandering and make election districting more fair:
Independent, non-partisan redistricting commissions: In some states, redistricting responsibilities have been taken away from the state legislature and given to an independent commission to remove the influence of partisan politics.
Redistricting criteria: Establishing clear and impartial criteria for redistricting, such as ensuring districts have equal population and preserving communities of interest, can make the process more objective and transparent.
Use of data and technology: Utilizing data and technology, such as demographic information and mapping tools, can help ensure that districts are drawn fairly and based on objective criteria.
Increased transparency: Making redistricting processes and data publicly available can increase accountability and transparency, and help prevent gerrymandering.
Ultimately, fair and impartial redistricting processes are essential for ensuring that elections reflect the will of the people and that political representation is accurate and balanced.
If you want to learn more about gerrymandering, there are many resources available that provide in-depth understandings ot it and its impacts on society. Here are a few recommendations:
Books:
"Ratf**ked: Why Your Vote Doesn't Count" by David Daley
"Unrigged: How Americans Are Battling Back to Save Democracy" by David Daley
"The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" by Michelle Alexander (discusses how gerrymandering contributes to the mass incarceration of people of color)
Publications:
ProPublica - in particular, their coverage of gerrymandering
Brennan Center for Justice - a nonpartisan law and policy institute that provides research, analysis, and advocacy on voting rights and gerrymandering
The Washington Post - they have a section dedicated to coverage of gerrymandering
Documentaries:
"Slay the Dragon" (2020), directed by Barak Goodman and Chris Durrance
"GerryRIGGED: Turning Democracy On Its Head" (2017), produced by OneVirginia2021
"Gerrymandering" (2010), directed by Jeff Reichert
In terms of what someone can do to help stop the practice of gerrymandering, there are a few options:
Support efforts to create independent redistricting commissions that are not controlled by politicians. Some organizations working on this issue include FairVote, Common Cause, and the League of Women Voters.
Donate to organizations that are fighting gerrymandering in the courts, such as the Campaign Legal Center, the ACLU, and the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Contact your elected representatives and urge them to support fair redistricting practices.
Volunteer for voter registration and get-out-the-vote efforts to ensure that all eligible voters can participate in the democratic process.
Overall, the fight against gerrymandering is an ongoing struggle that requires ongoing advocacy and engagement from concerned citizens. By staying informed and taking action, individuals can help create a more just and equitable political system.